Sport Info

Germany secured a place at next year's World Cup by crushing Slovakia 6-0 in their final qualifier on Tuesday (AEDT), pummelling them into submission with four goals in the first half, and sending their opponents into a playoff in March.

Australia's last Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones has rubbished the notion of preferential treatment at McLaren against their driver, Oscar Piastri, arguing that the idea crops up every season with any title challengers in the same team.

Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga arrived for pre-season training on Monday under new coach Justin Holbrook with the New Zealand star a full participant after making a recovery from a foot injury suffered in round 17 against Canberra.